When this brave Labrador was discovered outside a California shelter, she was on the verge of giving up. Emaciated and weak, Amber could barely lift her head. All she had was a small Teddy bear, her only possession, which she held close, breaking her rescuers’ hearts. But there was more to her story…
A Girl With the Sweetest Secret
Amber, despite her condition, was carrying a litter! The night she was found and brought to a shelter in the Bay Area, she gave birth to six tiny yellow puppies.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
The Dogwood Animal Rescue Project (DARP) team shared on Facebook: “Yellow lab Mama Amber was left tied to the shelter fence in the middle of the night, very pregnant, and she delivered the next day at the shelter.”
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
The volunteers at the shelter kept Amber company and cared for her throughout the process, helping her feel a bit safer. The next morning, the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project team from Sonoma County, California, decided to take in Amber and her puppies after hearing their story.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
On her first day at the rescue, Amber was understandably exhausted and stressed. Her caregivers shared on Facebook: “Her first 24 hours with us she mostly slept in her warm quiet bed, no doubt exhausted from being left at the shelter with her stuffy (which makes a good pillow) and from almost immediately going into labor and delivering and caring for newborns.”
Finally Warm and Safe Inside
Amber needed time to rest, but even in her condition, she was a wonderful mother. She made sure her puppies were safe and well-fed. Sadly, shortly after moving to the new facility, one of her puppies passed away. This was expected given Amber’s stress levels and emaciation, but it was still heartbreaking.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
Despite the loss, Amber and her humans felt a void but continued to push forward for the sake of Amber and her remaining puppies. After a few weeks, Amber’s true personality began to shine through. She emerged from her shell, revealing a charming and affectionate nature. Her caregivers were delighted by her sweet demeanor.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
Amber’s caregivers expressed their gratitude on Facebook: “It’s cold, rainy, and blowing outside but Amber’s little family is warm and safe inside. We’re so thankful to be able to provide a safe, loving place for them.”
After enduring a traumatic past, Amber and her five puppies are now on the right path. They await the day when humans will walk through the door with one plan: to make them permanent members of their family.